Posts by kmont

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  • "The Terrorism Files",

    You don't protest intimidation by making people feel intimidated, at least not if you want to gain any sympathy.

    I don't think they are after "sympathy" just a recognition that masked people can be scary amoung other things. I think it was a particularly effective way of making a point. It's theatre. There is a context, they are protesting.
    As for the haka they can bloody well use it how they like, who the hell are you to tell Maori that they should save it for the rugby.

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • Cracker: Do real Afghans have walnuts on…,

    This cracking post is getting neglected wot with all the terrorism malarkey over on the other threads.
    That bloody Brokovich woman can bite me frankly, the whole concept is rubbish.

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • "The Terrorism Files",

    There has been an order of magnitude more hysteria from supporters of those arrested than from the general public.

    I wonder if what we have here is a "perfect storm" where grievances over a number of issues are focussed on one case. The anger/hysteria is multiplied by each factor: race, land, raids, accusations of terrorism, fears of state power, the Foreshore legislation, trustworthiness or otherwise of the police and so on.

    Look at the scrutiny of the police and the SIS over Zaoui, Tasers, Rickards and so on, combine that with a history of antagonism between police and activists...

    None of these issues have had neat "closure" so it becomes a point of articulation for general anger. (What the hell is "closure" anyway? Who the hell believes that history has distinct chapters?)

    This is broadly reflects my thoughts on this. Sorry about the giant quotes rather than using my own words but I am still reflecting on this and am deeply uncomfortable about the trial by media aspects of the way this is unfolding. I don't have the energy or the inclination for endless speculating. OTOH I really wanted more information and we certainly got some of that today, but it is all still an incomplete picture.

    Also all of what Terence Wood said above.

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • THIS JUST IN,

    Can anyone point me towards any reliable breakdown of what the police found or is this information not yet in the public domain?

    I don't think this information is available, which is part of the problem. Maybe this is because it is before the court?

    I honestly honestly think that the word "terrorism" itself is poisoning our debate all around.

    I have to agree with that.

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • Hard News: The Finance Campaign,

    Oh yes. Wellingtonista and Public Address both have a pending announcement on that puppy ...

    Sqweeeeeeeeeeeeee (or however you spell that)

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • Random Play: The Age of Reason,

    Who the hell is Simon?

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • THIS JUST IN,

    Well, it challenges me and inflames you then. As far as constructive politics goes, who knows? I am not an expert on politics.

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • Random Play: The Age of Reason,

    Sorry - first line above makes no sense. Should be word 'book' in there somewhere.

    Kind of cute tho, I can see an interpretive dance coming on.....

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • Random Play: The Age of Reason,

    I am firmly in camp "dial down the emoting" when it comes to newsreaders. Bland is fine.

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • THIS JUST IN,

    Finn, thanks I would appreciate mor information about that if it comes your way.
    I don't think that Sara's language is overly emotive. You just don't agree with her perspective. You can't take anger out of the equation when discussing these things. What you have to say about Northern Ireland is interesting and I can respect where you are coming from on that. However when use phrases like :

    I really don't want to get into some kind of stupid emotive pissing contest over whose "people" has been treated the worst.

    I think it is you who are ramping it up a bit (mind you if Craig Ranapia said something similar I would probably find it hilarious, go figure). These are touchy issues but it is better to engage, I don't think it is a pissing contest to bring up colonisation in this context.

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

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